5 affordable pieces of gear I will absolutely without a doubt be carrying on the Continental Divide Trail.

It’s me, Scorpion Queen, the absolute hiking disaster! Remember when a saber toothed rat ate my pack one night on the Appalachian Trail? Or when ALL my gear broke on the Tehachapi section on the PCT? Ok, you may not, but unfortunately I do and those were some low moments of my hiking career. The following 5 items that I’ll be hauling in my tiny little UL pack have yet to let me down.

Leukotape

Oh gosh I could sing the joys and praises of Leukotape forever. It’s stronger than duct tape. Stickier than a mouth full of sour candy. Works a million times better than K-tape. I have taped my feet, strapped my toes, repaired leaking water bladders (CNOC cough cough) and basically used it to tape bounce boxes. I don’t care what anyone else says, THIS is the only tape you need. 

Kula cloth 

I think everyone with a vagina needs one of these. Best invention ever. I have to keep stopping myself from ordering a new one for the CDT as I don’t reallllllly need a new one for every hike do I? Do I…?

Victorinox mini knife 

The knife and the mini scissors on this are an absolute game changer. I actually found my mini Victorinox knife that a client left behind on a ski season. On the PCT I had carried a mini knife, toe nail scissors AND tweezers. What a heavy weight loser I was then! I can use this for everything and I love the toothpick. Definitely great for picking jerky out my teeth. Do not put it in boiling water to clean it though. I did and I destroyed mine. I need a new one.

Bandana 

I’m pretty sure I sing the praises of a bandana to anyone who will listen. Literally the only thing that can go wrong with a bandana is that they do have an unfortunate habit of wanting to hike their own hike and escaping from my pack. I have walked backwards miles for a lost bandana. Here are some excellent uses for a bandana: Snot rag, sweat wiper, water filter, picnic blanket, emergency sanitary product, shoe insole, sling, pee rag, fashion statement. Ok I can go on forever.

The perfect bandage for my poor hand

Electric toothbrush

The highlight of my life post trail was when the dentist told me: ‘You have a very clean mouth; whatever you’re doing; you’re doing right’. I felt fantastic after hearing that! I carried a disposable electric toothbrush that costs under $10 and brushed my teeth morning and night and honestly I cannot rate it highly enough. Why would I even consider carrying something different? I swear an electric toothbrush makes up for the bags and bags of pure sugar I consume. 

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